The Sweatpants That Are Not Just For Sweating

Step Three:  Attaching the waistband

Sewing tip: To preserve the elasticity on the waistband and if you do not have an overlocker please use a small zigzag to attach the waistband.

There are four things you need to do in this step.

1. Cut the waistband
2. Apply the grommets
3. Cut and insert the elastic
4. Sew the waistband

Measure the waist of your sweatpants, minus 2″ to 4″.  This is smaller to bring in the stretch of the fabric and create the waist.  However, avoid making the waistband tight as you will create a muffin top.  The rectangle then should be: measurement of the waist of the pants minus (2″ to 4″) x  6  3/4″.  Draw the rectangle and cut the fabric.

Fold the rectangle right sides together and sew at 3/8″.  Turn the right side out and fold the wrong sides together.  This will double up the waistband.  Place the seam underneath and in the middle and mark the middle of the waistband.  From the middle mark 1″ on either side.  This is the placement of the grommets.  Apply the grommets following the package's instructions.

Cut an amount of elastic long enough to go around your waist comfortably + 1/2″.  Sew the elastic and zigzag the edges down to prevent raveling and reduce bulk.

Pin the waistband to the pants in the front, back, and both sides.

Place the elastic 3/8″ from the top edge of the waistband then fold up and pin the four points again, (back, front, left, and right).  The elastic will be going right over the top of the grommets as you see them in the picture above. Sew and stretch the elastic at the same time.

For a sample of this technique please watch the video on how to make the men's pajamas, it is really that easy and saves tons of time.  You can see the exact technique at around 10:00 minutes into this video.

Subscribe to the YouTube channel:

 

Make two rows of stitching above and below the grommets to make a channel for the cord. Use a small zigzag. Not sure you can see mine, but I did not want to use black thread there because I want to wear these;) 

Use a bodkin or a safety pin to thread the cord through the grommets and around the waistband through the channel.  Tie off the ends of the cord to prevent raveling.

Step Four: Sewing the hem cuffs or ribbing

This is the same technique we used in the making of the hoodie sleeves.  Please have a look at the linked tutorial if you need a refresher.

Measure the circumference of the hems of your sweatpants, minus 2″ x  4 3/4″.  Fold in half and sew at 3/8″.  Wrong sides together, fold again and insert the legs through the cuff aligning the seams.  Sew at 3/8″ Use a zigzag or an overlocker.

You are done! ….It's that easy to have a new pair of sweatpants.  Make this pair in a soft fabric to hang around the house or in warm fabric to go for a run in the cool air in the morning or in a cool fabric to run errands. They are that versatile, I promise!

Until next time! I have a beautiful “RED” surprise for you!  Spoiler alert: We will be stepping back in time! Get your pearls ready ladies for this hot number for Valentine's Day.

---

If You'd Like To Support Our Site

If you want to help us continue to bring you a wide selection of free sewing patterns and projects, please consider buying us a coffee.  We'd really, really appreciate it.